Islamic culture has devoted quite diminutive consideration to the theoretical features of the visual arts. Even thought, art was observed as a vital phenomenon. God has created the world and has given man the power to elaborate it. Beauty or aesthetics results from a mixture of the natural assets of creation and artificial involvement of human beings. I choose this piece since it’s perfectly present the idea that aestheticism of Islamic art originates from learning and talent rather then from genius and inspiration. This is the cover of Karan scripture embossed with gold and silver, and inlaid with semi-precious stones, lapis lazuli. The script itself is also aesthetic and represents a form of art in Muslim culture. Besides, calligraphy is considered dominant decorative art and we could also find numerous examples of it in the text of The Arabian Night. (The Tale of the Envious and the Envied, p 105, the example of 7 different scripts). The prevalence of calligraphy in Islamic culture is resulted from the status of the Koran as the word of God. On the other hand, metaphorical images were at times connected to magic and ascribed enchanted or therapeutic qualities. Effigies were used as talismans protected against animals and monsters.
Bringing art to perfection is the form of worshiping God. Art is viewed as created in human soul rather then being produced by mystical powers. Art was connected to the work of craftsmen and artisan and not to the individual expression of the mastermind of the artist. Moreover, it served both as a form of displaying wealth and luxury and as a status symbol for rulers and the urban elite. Art was destined to amaze, as something beautiful and unique. Various uses of ornaments, precious metals and stones, natural and botanic motives, geometrical patterns and traditional bright colors are the components of Islamic aesthesis. Likewise, in the Arabian Nights we could find a numerous depiction of the interior of the palaces or beautiful weapons and wardrobe, which also epitomizes the form of art. (The story of the porter and the three Ladies, 66-67 description of the wardrobe of the princes.) (The Twenty First Night, 54 description of the palace, furniture)
References to the art in the stories of the Arabian Nights are mostly limited to the description of decorations and valuable objects, calligraphy and craftsmanship.